Man turns SUV into ambulance to help needy
PRAYAGRAJ: Forty-year-old Bhavani Bhushan of Katra locality is an extremely busy man these days. After deciding to help the needy amid the pandemic when even getting an ambulance is an uphill task, Bhushan has converted his sport utility vehicle (SUV) into a makeshift ambulance.
Wearing a PPE kit, he can be spotted in the city, driving his SUV and carrying Covid patients free of cost to hospitals and nursing homes. In the last few days, he has taken two dozen patients to various hospitals. He also carries portable oxygen cylinders for serious patients so that they can breathe when taken to hospital.
Recently when Bhushan’s father got infected with coronavirus, his health started deteriorating. Running a successful consultation firm in Delhi, he rushed to Sangam city in his SUV to get his father treated. Finally, he got his father admitted to SRN hospital on April 17. But the ailing father needed dialysis due to his kidney ailment. So, it was decided to take him to a super specialty hospital in Delhi.
“I spoke to a Delhi-based hospital and everything was put in place to airlift my ailing father to Delhi on April 20. But despite all efforts, we were unable to find an ambulance. After a lot of struggle and help from friends, I could somehow take my father to Delhi where his health has improved now,” said Bhushan. After a few days, Bhushan left his father in care of his younger brother and his wife and children and returned to Prayagraj with his mother.
“To express my gratitude for the way my friends and acquaintances helped at the time of need, I decided to convert my SUV into an ambulance and serve those who need this vital mode of transport in the case of emergency. I have removed the back seat of my SUV and given it the shape of an ambulance”, Bhushan added.
From April 24, he started carrying the patients free of cost. Things were going smooth but one day his driver refused to work.
“I tried to find his replacement but when all efforts proved futile, I decided to wear the PPE kit and regardless of threat of infection, now I drive the ‘ambulance’. I am more than happy to help the poor and those who do not have ample resources”, he said.